Thread Number: 45113
1948 (?) Kenmore wringer washer - newest acquisition
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Post# 661333   2/20/2013 at 19:07 (4,054 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        

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Hello...for all the wringer fans, I've acquired yet another! I was in Washington state visiting a friend, and just happened to see this in front of an antique store as we drove by. This Kenmore is, I believe, from the late 1940s. If anybody can verify that, I would appreciate it. The model # 110 73230.

It has a pump mechanism similar to that of a Maytag. A lever on the side engages the pump by shifting the whole mechanism, including that driving pulley, so that it makes contact with the flywheel/driveshaft of the motor. The flywheel has a rubber coating so the pump drive makes good contact.

Everything seems to be working fine, but of course, I'll be taking it apart to have a look. The motor runs very smoothly and EXTREMELY quietly! Only thing that needs replacing immediately is the drain hose, as it's brittle with age. The rolls of the wringer are pretty hardened, but still functional.

One thing I noticed from the first trial washing...as compared with the Maytag, this Kenmore does not have a sediment trap. At the end of the washing after draining the washtub, there is all the sediment just sitting on the bottom of the tub, since it's flat. Definitely not as well-engineered as the Maytag, but it still has great roll-over action - the three vane agitator turns about 180 degrees.





Post# 661334 , Reply# 1   2/20/2013 at 19:08 (4,054 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
2nd photo - interior of tub and agitator

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Here's a shot of the porcelain wash tub and cast aluminum agitator.

Post# 661344 , Reply# 2   2/20/2013 at 20:02 (4,054 days old) by rpms (ontario canada)        

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Nice.

Post# 661348 , Reply# 3   2/20/2013 at 20:27 (4,054 days old) by wringer (x)        
Nice find Brad !

She looks like she is in very good condition cosmetically and as you say is a quiet gal. The hose should be no problem to replace. Please keep us posted on your progress. Best !

Jim


Post# 661376 , Reply# 4   2/20/2013 at 22:19 (4,054 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

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That looks very much like the one my mother had in our basement when I was real young. Does it have the drain in the tubs side? It sure looks like the one I threw my toy cars and trucks into and got into trouble, when I would rather have a toy washer to play with and not caused any trouble. Ma would always run the fresh water in at the end to make sure all the stuff was pumped out, so I understand about the sediment now.

Post# 661402 , Reply# 5   2/21/2013 at 04:47 (4,054 days old) by kenmore58 (Rhode Island)        

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Great find, Brad! Enjoy!

Ron
Kenmore58


Post# 661428 , Reply# 6   2/21/2013 at 08:59 (4,053 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
Nice!

golittlesport's profile picture
That is a very cool wringer washer. Nice find! I'd guess it to be late 40's with the cast aluminum agitator. Great that it runs so well.

Post# 661433 , Reply# 7   2/21/2013 at 10:08 (4,053 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture

Hey Ross, that is an awesome find, CONGRATS!!!

I hope you get many years of enjoyment with very few to no problems!

Kevin


Post# 661456 , Reply# 8   2/21/2013 at 12:27 (4,053 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Hi Brad.

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See how similar your wringer and agitator are to 2011hoovermatic's. Maybe you could advise him.

Can't wait to see you restore this old war horse to showroom beauty.


Post# 661472 , Reply# 9   2/21/2013 at 14:09 (4,053 days old) by polkanut (Wausau, WI )        

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That cast aluminum agitator is very similar to the type that Speed Queen used to use.  That style was used for many years, and is very effective.  Great score Brad!!!!


Post# 661473 , Reply# 10   2/21/2013 at 14:19 (4,053 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Restoration

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Thanks for all the comments, guys! This machine is really in quite good condition - mainly just cosmetic details, like some touch-up painting is required. Worked today on the drive wheel for the pump. The rubber "band" was deteriorated so I scraped it off and spread "instant gasket maker" over the wheel. Hopefully this will work --- will give it 24 hours to cure and then give it a test run.

I initially thought the hose needed replacement, but after running hot water through it and conditioning it with Armorall, it is fine...a little stiff, but not brittle. It has the coolest metal "cup" that shrouds the upper part of the hose and is used for the hanger.

Does anybody have knowledge about replacing the original decal for the front?


Post# 661492 , Reply# 11   2/21/2013 at 15:45 (4,053 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Hi Brad ~

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It was that your wringer control handle on the left looks like what Damien's machine is missing.

Very interested in the instant gasket maker for something that would be really hard to find. I bet it works, and what a boon fix it will be for future pump restorations.

If you saw classicaprice's Philco refrigerator the other day, it has the same puffy quality of your washer and many appliances of that era. Think they're from the turn of the decade 40's to 50's, and a little while into them, the 50's. The model number has the familiar 1-1-0 for Kenmos, but the 73 clearly doesn't work for the year.


Post# 661500 , Reply# 12   2/21/2013 at 17:06 (4,053 days old) by wetguymd (Maryland)        
What a beauty!

wetguymd's profile picture
She sure is pretty!!! Video of her washing coming soon? :-)

Post# 661643 , Reply# 13   2/22/2013 at 11:03 (4,052 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Video as requested

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Hope you enjoy the video, Lyle (wetguymd)!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK


Post# 661664 , Reply# 14   2/22/2013 at 13:02 (4,052 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
What a surprise!

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I couldn't imagine what the other lever was for. And it's LO MED HIGH, just like the water level selector on the automatics, but this one is for wringer pressure. I love it. How exciting, and unexpected. It would be fun to watch you adjust the pressure as you wring a large towel and observe the difference.

Eager to hear the pump when you've finished restoring it, to see if it's the same one as those installed on later Visimatics.

How did you determine the date at 48?

The relevant Ephemera lists the capacity of the standard conventional tub at 18 gallons. Is there a load line level anywhere on the tub or agitator?

Thanks for the vid. Feeling greater respect for these older machines.


Post# 661672 , Reply# 15   2/22/2013 at 13:32 (4,052 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Answer to Mickeyd's questions and other stuff

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Hi Michael ... after shooting the video, I did the wringing on the "High" pressure setting. It definitely makes a difference for things like towels. I can only imagine using the "Low" setting for very bulky items, such as throw rugs.

I'm only guessing at the year of 1948 - I think I saw a photo posted somewhere on the web with a similar model giving that year. Would love to find out the exact year of manufacture.

There is a water line mark on the agitator. In the video, I had the water to the maximum level.

Regarding the pump - my experiment with the instant gasket maker didn't work. Even when fully set, the silicone is just too soft and it disintegrated. Next, I'm going to try using a vacuum cleaner belt, if I can find the right size to use around the pulley. Keep you posted!


Post# 661687 , Reply# 16   2/22/2013 at 14:27 (4,052 days old) by westingman123 ()        
Oh, my word!

She IS quiet, isn't she? All of my wringers make more noise than that, but it's okay. The noise is rather soothing, and it takes me back to simpler days at Grandma's farm.

I'm glad she's in good hands, something tells me she'll be like new soon. Let the girl out of the loo, though! *LOL*


Post# 661691 , Reply# 17   2/22/2013 at 14:48 (4,052 days old) by wringer (x)        
WOW !!!!

Beautiful video of a beautiful gal. I am very envious of you my friend. I will be sending you an original instruction manual and parts list for this model as I wrote you in email. The booklet has a date of 11-47 on the bottom so you're prolly very close to the correct manufacturing date. I, like Michael, did not understand the wringer levers until I read about them in the book. I agree about the vacuum belt idea for the pump. There are many different size vac belts that are flat and one should work even if you have to stretch it quite a bit. If it stretches out and wears out just put another on it. Great idea about the vac belt. Please keep us informed of your working on her. I look forward to any wringer postings on here.

This is what the book says about the wringer tension setting; 1. Push WRINGER RE-SET HANDLE down, 2. Raise WRINGER PRESSURE SELECTOR until desired pressure is indicated on dial at top of wringer. Set at LOW for heavy garments, throw rugs, etc.; MEDIUM for general wash, linens, etc.; HIGH for handkerchiefs, small pieces.

Best !

Jim


Post# 661705 , Reply# 18   2/22/2013 at 16:22 (4,052 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
1947 or 1948

Good find Brad. I think you're right about the age. It can't be much older than a 1947. My Mom had told me that after the war, WW 2, the Big one, as Archie Bunker used to say, it took a few years for factories to ramp up production of whatever they made before the way. Even then, there were waiting lists because pent up demand exceeded factory capacity. My Mom couldn't get her Speed Queen until 1948. In the meantime she had to take the wash to my Grandmother's house twice a week to do. She HATED that as Grandma was not the easiest person to get along with. She was thrilled to have her own new wringer washer. That's the Speed Queen my family still has in upstate NY. There's just something about a wringer that us fans find so soothing to use. I've been using mine as a daily driver for over 3 months now and still prefer it to my front loader.

Congratulations on your find!


Larry


Post# 661798 , Reply# 19   2/22/2013 at 22:58 (4,052 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        
Brad

Brad, I love your new machine. My Great Aunt Rose had one just like this in her basement in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It sure is queit, like the ABC wringer washers were too. Happy washing. Gary

Post# 661827 , Reply# 20   2/23/2013 at 07:07 (4,052 days old) by rpms (ontario canada)        

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Brad, your wringer sounds more like a clock ticking than a washer. The pressure setting is very cool.Wringers with pufffed legs always remind me of a fat lady in a short dress.

Post# 661898 , Reply# 21   2/23/2013 at 14:15 (4,051 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Pump fixed

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Well, my "hay wire" fix worked the second time around. Spread instant gasket maker (silicone)around the flywheel/pulley of the motor. The local vacuum repairman gave me - free of charge - a used vacuum belt that fit very tightly around the drive wheel of the pump. So when engaged, the two wheels make good contact and the pump works beautifully.

As a side note, I had to completely dismantle the pump and the drive shaft (connected to the impeller) was corroded and gunked up, so was very hard to turn. Probably that had a lot to do with wearing out the original rubber gasket on the flywheel. Scrubbed it good with an SOS pad and sprayed WD-40 on the shaft and shaft tube and now it turns easily.

Did a load again today to test out the pump. Attached are a couple of pics - this time taken in the kitchen (note to Keith "westingman123" !!!)


Post# 661963 , Reply# 22   2/23/2013 at 18:31 (4,051 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
"Let the girl out of the loo, though! *LOL*"

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As funny as it was, I couldn't help remembering that during the decades of wringer washer operation, many people washed in either the loo-room ;-D or the kitchen, and that could have been a factor in the quiet operation design when the engineers were developing the machine. I've noticed that except for the higher torqued later Speed Queen, all of my wringers are really quiet.

Brad, I'm relieved that your pump fix + vac belt worked. Imagined you were working in the bathroom so you could easily gravity drain the 48 into the toilet.

Is there a chance for a vid of the draining operation? For me, pumps truly rock and roll. Sure it's the same for many here.


Post# 661976 , Reply# 23   2/23/2013 at 21:20 (4,051 days old) by rpms (ontario canada)        

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Yes, I want to hear it drain too. That low growl and then the...... SLURP.

Post# 661993 , Reply# 24   2/23/2013 at 23:07 (4,051 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        
Congrats on Your New Kenmore

Brad, that is a beautiful Kenmore. It is no wonder so many ladies kept the "tried and true" machine for years. If I am lucky enough to come across one I plan to get it. arthur

Post# 661995 , Reply# 25   2/23/2013 at 23:32 (4,051 days old) by westingman123 ()        
(sheepish grin)

I must say she's lovely, even more so in the kitchen! You're a creative one, you are.

I most humbly beg to see a video, as well.

K



Post# 662119 , Reply# 26   2/24/2013 at 16:57 (4,050 days old) by golittlesport (California)        
Thanks for the pics

golittlesport's profile picture
Brings back memories of my mom washing in the kitchen with her wringer washer when I was a wee lad. That is really a beautiful machine you have there.

Post# 662927 , Reply# 27   2/27/2013 at 20:59 (4,047 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Photo after paint touch-up

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Here's a pic showing the Kenmore after some touch-up painting. Did the wringer drain boards and the lid, using Rust-oleum White Appliance Epoxy spray paint,

Post# 663327 , Reply# 28   3/1/2013 at 18:45 (4,045 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Pump in operation

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For those that requested seeing a vid of the pump in operation, I've uploaded a short one to YouTube ... Also attached a pic showing the drive shaft/wheel of the pump. The wheel behind it is the silicone-coated flywheel of the motor on which the pump makes contact in order to operate.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK


Post# 663632 , Reply# 29   3/3/2013 at 14:34 (4,043 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
Nice Paint Job Brad!

That's the same paint I used, Appliance Enamel White, on my Maytag's wringer. I also used it on the lid and a few more places. I painted those 6 months ago and have been using my reconditioned E2LP as a daily driver for over 3 months now and the paints held up great. Good Choice!

It will be interesting to see how you like the Kenmore in relation to the Maytag(s). It seems that Maytag was the most popular wringer even though it's obvious that they cost more. From what I've been able to see, it looks like the Maytag's were the most popular wringers, followed by Speed Queen, then the Kenmore's and the rest.

Cheers! Larry


Post# 663638 , Reply# 30   3/3/2013 at 15:42 (4,043 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Maytag wringer washers were better engineered...

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Larry, thanks for your comments. After having used both machines now, I can see why Maytags were the most popular - and the most expensive. They are the better engineered machines. The Kenmore (this example made by Whirlpool) is great in many ways - very quiet motor, efficient agitator, large tub. However, the biggest drawback I can see is the lack of a "sediment trap", a feature that Maytag actively promoted at the time. With the flat bottomed tub of the Kenmore, lint and sediment remains after the water has emptied, which requires rinsing and wiping it out. Whereas, with a Maytag, the sediment collects in the recessed area of the tub under the agitator, so when the water is emptied, it completely flushes out the tub. Much more efficient.

So, bottom line, I do prefer a Maytag. Having said that, the Kenmore is fun to use as well.

I shot another video yesterday, showing the wringer in operation. Have a look!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK


Post# 663657 , Reply# 31   3/3/2013 at 18:29 (4,043 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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That has to be one of the coolest machines....quiet is an understatement.....congrats on the restoring of it Brad....love it.....


one question about wringers like this one, can an agitator from an automatic fit in one of these, take in consideration a drive block would maybe have to be changed....but just curious, for something like a rotoswirl, or straight 3 vane...maybe even a dual action...is this possible?....


Post# 663684 , Reply# 32   3/3/2013 at 20:11 (4,043 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

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Martin, I would bet those agitators would fit but one of the daily pix of the day showed an old Sears page with laundry tubs with a straight vain and roto swirl replacements. It said roto swirl can only be used in tubs specially designed for it. Ya right, what those of us on this site can do, anything is possible.

Post# 663989 , Reply# 33   3/5/2013 at 13:19 (4,041 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Fixed - YouTube link

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That last link seems to have an issue ... here's a good link:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO bradross's LINK


Post# 664161 , Reply# 34   3/6/2013 at 09:16 (4,040 days old) by wringer (x)        
Hi Brad,

Great video !! Thanks for making and posting. I really like the idea of the different tensions available on the wringer. I am certain I am not the only one who is envious but happy about your latest acquisition. I note that there is possible some yellow grease staining on the wringer post. I have found that a product here in the US called Re-solve-it takes that stain right off. It is non toxic and a bit similar to Goo Gone only better. Anyhow, hope you will enjoy your wringer washing each week now. You could was in one and rinse in the other :-). Happy wringing !!

Jim


Post# 664203 , Reply# 35   3/6/2013 at 13:49 (4,040 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Wringing in the Mirror

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So cool and fun: you can see the clothes coming and going. And like the automatic, the high-medium-low lever actually has reset too. Very satisfying. Love the way it works, would be a source of unending fun, especially the way it overrides the main control.

One advantage to the KM is that the agitator always comes out trouble-free. If a Maytag gets stuck, good luck, (not yours which comes off as easily as the top of the butter dish).

Thanks for the classy vids.


Post# 664294 , Reply# 36   3/6/2013 at 22:15 (4,040 days old) by westingman123 ()        
straight out of the showroom

Brad, that's just breathtaking! Rustoleum, you say? That's just a pretty machine, and a work horse to boot.

I just want to fire up the Speed Queen now. In the middle of the night.

Thanks for posting!


Post# 664392 , Reply# 37   3/7/2013 at 17:04 (4,039 days old) by wetguymd (Maryland)        
Just Beautiful!!

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Thanks Brad for posting the videos. What a beautiful machine. I assume that you can rotate the wringer head around, such as if you were using a rinse tub behind the machine? If you ever decide you are going to move her out of your collection please let me know :-)!

Post# 664567 , Reply# 38   3/8/2013 at 12:15 (4,038 days old) by roscoe62 (Canada)        
I remember when

which wasn't yesterday, my aunt had a gasoline powered wringer.
My grandmother's was the same and then had her's converted to an electric motor, that lasted decades.
Great find Brad, thanks for the memories, I hope you get lots of service from your new aquisition.


Post# 665392 , Reply# 39   3/12/2013 at 12:46 (4,034 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
Year confirmed - 1948

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Well, folks, I found an old Sears Roebuck advertisement from The Pittsburgh Press, Aug.19, 1948, showcasing the Kenmore wringer washer lineup. My model - 110-73230 is shown, selling for $119.95 which in today's dollars would be $1146.14 - not cheap! (according to www.usinflationcalculator.com...)

Post# 665419 , Reply# 40   3/12/2013 at 15:27 (4,034 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
I'll be danged!

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Notice that the TOL is "rounder & puffier," thus more stylish for the day than the lesser sisters, and the timer is set higher at a more stoop-friendly level..

But Brad: I. HAD. NO. IDEA. automatic timers were around in 48. The earliest I'd seen was a 52 or 3 Blackstone. What an amazing discovery. Thank you.

Too bad we can't see the agitators in the other models. Was the roto-swirl around then?


Post# 665666 , Reply# 41   3/13/2013 at 19:27 (4,033 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
25 GALLON CAPACITY?

What does that mean? If you overfilled past the agitator to the very top brim of the washer would be 25 gallons? My E2LP is 18 gallons and easily holds 9 to 12 pounds of laundry. So how can a 25 gallon machine only hold 8 - 9 pounds? Some funky advertising from Sears even back in 1948?

Post# 665689 , Reply# 42   3/13/2013 at 21:12 (4,033 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada)        
25 gallons - overstatement!

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You got that right, Larry! I can only imagine it's 25 gallons right to the top of the tub - and who's going to do that? So the ad is definitely misleading. My guess is it's probably 18 gallons, same as the Maytag E2L. One day, I'll empty the water manually into a 5-gallon pail and see how many pails it requires.

Neat ad though, nonetheless, right?


Post# 665771 , Reply# 43   3/14/2013 at 09:45 (4,032 days old) by e2l-arry (LAKEWOOD COLORADO)        
Yes Brad,

It's a REALLY cool ad. Now what I want to do is find some of those old Maytag price lists from the same era. I've seen some on this site. I just have to find them in the archives, and compare the price of Maytag's vs. Kenmore's and what the difference, price wise, was. As I've said before, in 1948 the cost of a washing machine was a MUCH bigger strain on the household budget that it is today, adjusted for inflation. I'm also sure that that's why, a good as a Maytag washer was, that many people opted for Kenmore's and Speed Queens and the other brands of the day. Kenmore's were definitely a good value. I grew up in a Kenmore household. And I have quite a few Kenmore products in my house today.

Larry


Post# 665785 , Reply# 44   3/14/2013 at 10:51 (4,032 days old) by franksdad (Greenville, South Carolina)        
Congratulations!

franksdad's profile picture

A truly great wringer!  Hope it gives you many years of fun and dependable service.  Really enjoyed the video!  Jim



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